Prudence and Fortitude

CCC 1806  
Prudence is the virtue that disposes practical reason to discern our true good in every circumstance and to choose the right means of achieving it; "the prudent man looks where he is going." (Prov 14:15) "Keep sane and sober for your prayers."(1 Pet 4:7) Prudence is "right reason in action," writes St. Thomas Aquinas, following Aristotle.  It is not to be confused with timidity or fear, nor with duplicity or dissimulation. It is called auriga virtutum (the charioteer of the virtues); it guides the other virtues by setting rule and measure. It is prudence that immediately guides the judgment of conscience. The prudent man determines and directs his conduct in accordance with this judgment. With the help of this virtue we apply moral principles to particular cases without error and overcome doubts about the good to achieve and the evil to avoid. 

CCC 1808  
Fortitude is the moral virtue that ensures firmness in difficulties and constancy in the pursuit of the good. It strengthens the resolve to resist temptations and to overcome obstacles in the moral life. The virtue of fortitude enables one to conquer fear, even fear of death, and to face trials and persecutions. It disposes one even to renounce and sacrifice his life in defense of a just cause. "The Lord is my strength and my song." (Ps 118:14). "In the world you have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." (Jn 16:33)

These are 2 of the 4 cardinal virtues mentioned in the Cathecism of the Catholic Church (CCC). Learning about prudence and fortitude helped me especially during this time of discernment.

The 4 cardinal virtues, namely: prudence, justice, fortitude and temperance are human virtues that can be achieved by anyone - Christians and non-Christians. 

The other 3 theological virtues, namely: faith, hope and charity, on the other hand relates directly to God.

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